Eagle narrows field of town manager candidates

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For the first time in 27 years, Eagle is looking for a new town manager.

"Last summer at the town board strategic planning session, the mayor and trustees recognized that one of the most important tasks ahead of us is to hire a new town manger to succeed Willy Powell, who has served the town for more than 27 years," said Joe Knabel, a member of the town board who is also serving on the town's manager search subcommittee.

The town formed the subcommittee, which includes five members of the current board and Powell. A consultant firm - Suiter and Associates - is assisting with the town manager search.

The opening was advertised locally and throughout Rocky Mountain regions. The deadline for applications was Jan. 15 and the opening drew a field of 40 applicants.

"Since that time, the subcommittee has been diligently reviewing the applications, resumes, and reference checks with the intent of narrowing the list of applicants to a more manageable group of leading candidates," said Knabel.

The next step in the process includes interviews with each of the applicants.

"The interviews and all the events leading to this time have been held in executive session to protect the identity of the applicants," said Knabel. "Once the leading candidates are further narrowed to a list of finalists that will be presented to the town board for consideration, the names of final applicants will become public knowledge."

During the next months the town board anticipates hosting meet and greet events for the finalists.

"This will be a great forum to meet each of the final candidates in a more relaxed setting," said Knabel. "Following the public forum, the town board will make a final decision for town manager.

The town is planning for a transition period between hiring the new manager and Powell's official retirement date.

"Stay tuned as further information will be made available in the coming week," said Knabel.